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Clone Wars Heat Up

Clone Wars Heat Up -- Lest you think Apple is alone in showing off new machines this week, hold on to your socks: Power Computing, DayStar, and UMAX are competing for your attention too. In addition to its recently-introduced PowerTower Pro (see TidBITS-337), Power Computing has announced a PowerBase line of consumer-oriented Mac-compatibles starting at about $1,500. Built around the PowerPC 603e, PowerBase systems range in speed from 180 to 240 MHz, sport three PCI slots, 8x CD-ROM drives, and (gamers take note!) video acceleration that improves 3-D texture mapping and QuickTime performance.

What's more, DayStar is introducing the new Genesis MP 360+ (with two 180 MHz 604e CPUs, starting at $5,500), in addition to 180 and 200 MHz versions of its four-processor offerings, starting at $8,500 and $10,000. These systems are targeted at high-end graphics and video professionals, and DayStar is reportedly shipping them with no hard disks or RAM to let customers more easily customize the systems.

Rounding out the pack, UMAX is expected to show a new spate of SuperMac-branded Mac-compatibles at Macworld, including revved-up versions of its S900L series and a set of 603e-based "SuperMac C" consumer machines due in September. The SuperMac C series reportedly range in speed from 140 to 200 MHz, sport 8x CD-ROM drives, and range in price from $1,600 to $2,600. As of this writing, DayStar's and UMAX's Web sites don't cover their new products, but they'll probably make information available soon. [GD]

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